.jpg)
Iliriana Gjoni is a research analyst at Carnegie Europe, where she focuses on EU enlargement and Western Balkan politics. Gjoni earned her Master’s in European Studies at KU Leuven, Belgium. She also holds two Master’s degrees in piano performance: Master of Music – Piano Solo and Master of Music – Chamber Music from the Hochschule für Musik Karlsruhe.
Richard Grenell’s return to U.S. diplomacy would present both risks and opportunities for the Western Balkans. Regardless of any flashy deals the new administration may offer, countries in the region must remain steadfast in their pursuit of democratization and European integration.
Serbia and North Macedonia are exploring alternatives to EU membership that would bring economic benefits and relieve them of accession-related demands. But their turn away from EU integration would disadvantage both the union and the Western Balkans.
.jpg)
